Remodel your home the smart way

• Careful planning minimizes headaches and pocketbook surprises.

Close your eyes. Imagine you're standing in the middle of your newly remodeled kitchen, admiring the heated boldly colored quartz countertops, brick backsplash, maple cabinets and recessed lighting that illuminates the cork flooring.

You are so pleased with your eight-week remodeling project that you're practically salivating. You've turned your 1990s-vibe kitchen into a place that defines your style and way of life. It's ready for both easy living and entertaining.

Now, snap out of it! To get to that place of perfect bliss, take a cue from builders and carefully plan and manage the details like a pro. Here are steps to get you started.

Collect and curate ideas

Start early (yesterday, if possible). It's never too soon to start collecting ideas for room design, decorating, fixtures and furniture. Search online for photos of what you like and save them (Pinterest is a good place to start) with your notes, comments and ideas. Starting early lets you refine your tastes and goals as the project progresses. It also gives you time to find deep discounts rather than paying full price at the last minute.

Know your scope

If you're going DIY, then DIR: Do It Right. It can make financial sense to take on some of the more expensive yet doable projects yourself. If the electrical work, tile or plumbing is beyond your competency level, don't take it on. Hire professionals.

When you do take on a job, it's a good idea to take a class or practice before starting.

Map out details

Organization is everything. Chaos creates stress and can lead to miscommunication, which in turn leads to expensive reworking. Your best weapon is a detailed schedule. You will find tools to help online, and you can use the online calendar to share the schedule with your family and builder.

Email everything. Insist that contractors and suppliers do the same. This lets you copy all relevant parties at once so it's a big time-saver. Use your smartphone to give you a paper trail (well, data trail).

There simply is no substitute for planning. It's the key to a successful remodel—one that won't have you popping aspirin, looking at your empty wallet and vowing "never again!"

MY FAVORITE RESOURCES

Tools to find, store and share ideas:Pinterest, Houzz, Remodel Or Move

Remodeling smartphone apps:Remodel Or Move, Dwell, Houzz

Smart calendars: GooCal, Apple iCal, Microsoft Outlook

Dan Fritschen is CEO and founder of project planning website RemodelOrMove.com and the author of five books on home remodeling.

This article was excerpted from USA TODAY's Home magazine, available now on newsstands or throughUSA TODAY's online store. The special magazine features articles on home improvement, décor and entertaining.